Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Education does not have have responsibility for the licensing or sale of alcohol.

Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which has a specific module on the use and misuse of a range of substances. The SPHE course covers student decision-making skills and safety and protection. Students learn how to exercise judgement, weigh up different possibilities, examine the steps and choices that guide them towards considered decision-making, begin to understand their own rights and the rights of others, and explore decision-making. In respect of safety, students’ ability to assess the consequences of risky behaviour is developed.

‘Know the Score’, launched in November 2019, is the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students and was developed in partnership between public health and education professionals, with input from teachers and young people. This resource for teachers of senior cycle students is aimed at guiding and supporting them to improve their knowledge and strengthen their skills in dealing with the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.

Aimed at 15-18 year olds, the content is based on research about effective approaches to the prevention of substance misuse. Students and teachers were involved in the design of the 14 lessons and supporting digital content, which aim to facilitate informed discussions about alcohol and drugs in the classroom.

Topics addressed include building cultural awareness of attitudes towards alcohol in Ireland, the impact of alcohol on the body and the brain, the influences of alcohol branding and sponsorship and information on how to provide emergency care if they are concerned about someone who has been drinking or taking drugs.